29 April 2017

AGM-88 HARM tactical missile (photo : planephotoman)WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for Anti-Radiation Missiles. The estimated cost is $137.6 million.The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 27, 2017.Australia has requested a possible sale of up to seventy (70) AGM-88B High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) Tactical Missiles; up to forty (40) AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM) Tactical Missiles; up to sixteen (16) CATM-88B HARM Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); up to sixteen (16) CATM-88E AARGM CATM; up to twenty-five (25) AGM-88B Control Sections; up to twenty-five (25) AGM-88B Guidance Sections; up to twenty (20) AGM-88E Control Sections; up to twenty (20) AGM-88E Guidance Sections; up to forty eight (48) Telemetry/Flight Termination Systems; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other associated support equipment and services. The total estimated cost is $137.6 million.

This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in the Western Pacific. Australia is an important Major non-NATO Ally and partner that contributes significantly to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.Australia is requesting these missiles for its Electronic Attack EA-18G Growler aircraft. The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability in current and future coalition efforts. Australia will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Australia will have no difficultly absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.The proposed sale of this equipment and support does not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractors will be Orbital ATK (OA), Ridgecrest, CA, and Raytheon Missile Systems Company, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to travel to Australia.(DSCA)

Image showing first test firings of the SMASH 30 mm naval gun system from KM Bagan Datuk. (photo : Malaysian Coast Guard)The Malaysian Coast Guard has conducted the first test firings of a newly installed SMASH 30 mm remote controlled stabilised naval gun system from its first-of-class New Generation Patrol Craft (NGPC), KM Bagan Datuk (4541).The tests, which were conducted about 15 n miles west of Pulau Mentagor, off the coast of Perak, were conducted to validate the weapon's successful integration with systems on board the vessel.These involved a single seaborne target that was set adrift from and subsequently fired upon by Bagan Datuk in single and burst modes of three rounds each. Present during the tests were engineers from Turkish defence company Aselsan, which is supplying the naval gun system to the coastguard. According to specifications provided by the company, the SMASH system is fitted with a 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster-II cannon that fires 200 rds/min.Bagan Datuk is the first of six 44 m coastal patrol vessels ordered from Malaysian shipbuilder Destini Shipbuilding & Engineering under a MYR380 million (USD87 million) signed in 2015. The platform is derived from a design by Germany-based Fassmer Shipbuilding Company and will be the first vessels operated by the Malaysian Coast Guard to feature an organic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capability.The 297-tonne platform features an overall length of 44.25 m, an overall beam of 7.7 m, and a design draught of 1.95 m. The vessel is powered by two 1,920 kW MTU engines, and has a top speed of 24 kt, and a standard range of 2,000 n miles at 12 kt.Each NGPC can deploy the Thales Fulmar unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from a catapult-based launcher situated just behind the position of its primary weapon.(Jane's)

Boeing P-8A Poseidon (photo : David Cherkasov)This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security of the United States by strengthening the security of a Major Non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability within the region. New Zealand is a close ally in the region and an important partner on critical foreign policy and defense issues.The Government of New Zealand intends to use these defense articles and services to continue its Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) capability, following retirement of its P-3K maritime patrol aircraft.The sale will strengthen collective defense and enhance New Zealand’s regional and global allied contributions.New Zealand has procured and operated U.S. produced P-3 MSA for over 40 years, providing critical capabilities to NATO and coalition maritime operations. New Zealand has maintained a close MSA acquisition and sustainment relationship with the U.S. Navy over this period. The proposed sale will allow New Zealand to recapitalize, modernize and sustain its MSA capability for the next 30 years. As a long-time P-3 operator, New Zealand will have no difficulty transitioning its MSA force to the P-8A and absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.(DSCA)

RV-02 anti stealth aircraft radar of the Vietnamese Air Force (Thanh Trung)PK-KQ Engineering Institute accepts some items under the project of making RV-02 radarOn the morning of April 27, at the 189-member limited liability company (General Department of Defense Industry), the Examination Council of the PK-KQ Technical Institute was organized by the Colonel, Dr. Nguyen Huu Doan, the President of the Institute. Accepted some items under the project "Investment in the construction of 03 RV-02 radar equipment for the Air Force's radar stations." Attending the pre-acceptance meeting were Major Nguyen Lac Hong - Deputy Director of Military Academy of Technology and representative of MTV One Member Limited Company 189 (contractor).

At the acceptance test, the Council has checked and commissioned the installation and testing of items under the project of manufacturing 3 sets of RV-02 radar, including: Hydraulic transmission system; Frame system, platform, antenna post; Antenna array (made by MTV One Member Limited Company); Rotary actuator (made by Military Academy of Engineering). After directly monitoring the operation, testing, product inspection and hearing representatives representatives report the manufacturing process, the production as well as the results of the implementation of the project items, the city Council members discussed and clarified some content related to products.

Colonel Dr. Nguyen Huu Doan highly appreciated the efforts of the contractor to finish the products in accordance with the schedule, quantity and quality as required. Of the contract, meeting the requirements of the proposed project specifications. The products are 100% new, the right type, full CO (Certificate of Origin), CQ (Certificate of goods quality) supplies, imported equipment ... However, to complete To improve and improve the quality of products, especially the preparation for the Council of Acceptance Test of the Ministry of Defense and the Council of Pre-acceptance Test of Ministry of Defense to undertake acceptance in the coming time; The acceptance council of the PK-KQ Engineering Institute requested the contractors to continue to supplement and complete some of the contents indicated by the members, especially the completion of the documents and documents related to the products. Products.(PK-KQ)

28 April 2017

BT-3F amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (photo : Army Recognition)The Ministry of Defense will purchase a batch of BT-3F armored personnel carriersVOLGOGRAD - RIA Novosti. The Russian Defense Ministry plans to purchase a batch of new BT-3F armored personnel carriers for trial operation, Deputy Defense Minister Yury Borisov said today as part of a working visit to defense enterprises of Volgograd."The practice of initiative works is welcomed by the Ministry of Defense, but there is a rule: any technique, made in an initiative manner, must meet our requirements."We are not present in the process of creating initiative technology, but only at the stage of its trial operation. Therefore, by agreement, we will purchase a batch, and the results will draw conclusions. We have a specialized research institute, it conducts tests," Borisov said.Now the armament of the Russian army consists of MT-LB armored vehicles, which were manufactured in Ukraine. The BT-3F armored personnel carrier was designed to replace Ukrainian armored cars.(RIA Novosti)

HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide LHD (photo : Kelvin Hockey)The Navy’s two amphibious assault ships HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide remain tied alongside at Fleet Base East, Sydney while Defence investigates issues with the LHDs’ ‘azipod’ azimuth propulsion systems.The issue first came to public attention almost a month ago on March 29 when ABC defence reporter Andrew Green reported that both vessels were out of service after propulsion issues were discovered with HMAS Canberra while it was undertaking first of class flight trials with Army and Navy helicopters off the coast of Queensland in March.“During these activities, a propulsion issue was identified aboard HMAS Canberra and she is currently alongside in Sydney being inspected,” Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett wrote on the Defence website on March 28.“As a prudent measure, the same inspections were conducted on HMAS Adelaide and identified emergent issues.“Having identified these emergent issues the ADF has put in place a very deliberate plan to investigate the issue and resolve it.”However, the issues with the azipod systems remain unresolved, with an April 25 news story in the Daily Telegraph by Matthew Benns reporting that “an investigation found maintenance and oil changes were not being done properly”.This assertion was disputed by Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Michael Noonan, who wrote a clarifying “On the Record” statement subsequently posted on the Navy Daily website.“Defence has maintained and operated HMA Ships Canberra and Adelaide in accordance with the builder’s specifications, including the oils and lubricants used in their operation,” RADM Noonan, who is Acting Chief of Navy, wrote.“Defence’s leadership is not “baffled” by these emergent issues, but it is still too early to determine the full extent of this emergent work. Defence has, and continues to work closely with industry and the original equipment manufacturers, Navantia, Siemens and BAE, to identify the root cause of the issues and develop the most appropriate repair strategy.”HMAS Canberra was commissioned in November 2014 with HMAS Adelaide following in December 2015, but both ships are yet to be declared full operational.“Defence has taken prudent measures to ensure the operational test and evaluation period of the vessels is sufficiently thorough to ensure they will serve the nation for decades to come,” wrote RADM Noonan.He continued that “it remains too early to determine the extent of this emergent work and Defence is working to identify the causes and develop a repair strategy.”The 27,500 tonnes displacement LHDs are powered by two 11-megawatt Siemens azipod thrusters with dual propellers mounted on 360-degree steerable pods driven by onboard electric motors – electricity for which is generated by the ships’ combined diesel and gas powerplant system. The LHDs’ azipods and plus their twin bow thrusters – similar configurations are fitted to large cruise ships – greatly improve ship manoeuvrability compared to conventional fixed-screw arrangements.(ADBR)

Pohang class ASW corvette (photo : Korean DoD)MANILA --- The Department of National of National (DND) will be acquiring a "Pohang" Flight III anti-submarine corvette from South Korea for just USD100.This is possible as South Korea is now in the process of retiring the above-mentioned ship from its inventory."We have sent a letter to the Government of South Korea expressing our intent to acquire one Pohang class corvette. We are hoping to receive the vessel within the year (no specific date yet)," DND public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Thursday."The transfer will be in the form of a donation, however, we will pay a token fee of USD100. The corvette will still undergo refurbishment, the cost of which we will shoulder," he added.However, Andolong has no information on whether the transfer will include the ship's weapon and sensor suites and exact cost of the refurbishment.But he added that the ship will definitely boost the Philippine Navy's capability to patrol the country's territorial waters aside from helping in the fight against piracy and terrorism."Pohang" are class of general purpose corvettes operated by the South Korean Navy.Around 24 were built during the late Cold War and post-Cold War period. Out of this number, 18 are still in commissioned as of this posting.These ships are armed with a variety of anti-sub, anti-ship, and anti-air weapons with their accompanying sensor gear and are capable of running to speeds up to 32 knots.

27 April 2017

PAF FA-50PH number 009 (photo : efrainnoelmorota)MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s fleet of FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" jet fighters has climbed to 10 with the arrival of two more aircaft at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga Wednesday morning.This was confirmed by PAF spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco in a message to the PNA."FA-50 with tail number 009 touched down at 11:20 a.m. while FA-50 with tail number 010 (landed) at 11:21 a.m.," he said.Francisco said the two aircraft took off from Saechon, South Korea on 7:59 a.m. of April 25 and landed on Jeju on 8:50 a.m. on the same day.After refueling in Jeju, it took off around 12:39 p.m. and landed in Taiwan around 2:47 p.m. also on April 25.Francisco said the FA-50PHs departed deparated from Taiwan around 10:08 a.m. April 26 with FA-50PH with tail number 009 landing at 11:20 a.m. and tail number 010 arriving at 11:21 a.m.

PAF FA-50PH number 010 (photo : efrainnoelmorota)FA-50PHs with tail numbers 007 and 008 arrived in the country last March 29 and were commissioned into service last April 6.Francisco said the FA-50PHs are very useful for the PAF as it can be used for territorial defense and pilot training which is important as they are now focusing on the "generation" of pilots capable of manning sophisticated jet fighters which the country is planning to acquire for its military modernization program.The first two FA-50PH units were delivered last Nov. 28, 2015 while the second batch was handed over last Dec. 8.The third batch was turned over to the PAF last Feb. 22.With the arrival of the two jet aircraft, only two more FA-50PHs are scheduled to be delivered by May, completing the PAF's 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth PHP18.9 billion.The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.(PNA)

26 April 2017

Air to ground rocket on PAF's S-211 (photo : fatbat_mca)MANILA --- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is looking for suppliers capable of delivering PHP8 million worth of rocket motors needed for the use of its SIAI-Marchetti S-211 trainer jets.Bid opening is on May 5, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, Air Force bids and awards committee chair Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla said in a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website.The S-211 is the PAF's sole jet-powered aircraft following the retirement of the Northrop F-5 "Tiger" jet fighter fleet in 2005 and arrival of the Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 "Fighting Eagle" jet fighter in 2015.Three S-211s remain in the PAF inventory and are used closely for training, recon, and sometimes ground-attack missions. (PNA)